The President of the Polish Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Bernhard L.Otterstein took part in the annual meeting of the Canada–EU Trade and Investment Association (CEUTIA), a key gathering of the CanChams of Europe network, held last week in Brussels.

The event brought together:

• 16 Canadian bilateral Chambers of Commerce and business associations from across Europe,

• Canadian Trade Commissioners from 14 embassies and missions,

• Provincial representatives from Québec, Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba,

• as well as Export Development Canada (EDC).

Convened by CEUTIA President Mark Camilleri, the meeting focused on strengthening collaboration, exchanging best practices, and identifying new ways to enhance the Canada–Europe business network.

The program opened with a welcome reception, co-hosted by CanCham BeLux, where Nicholas Brousseau, Ambassador of Canada to Belgium and Chargé d’Affaires at the Canadian Mission to the EU, delivered opening remarks.

The next day featured a productive working session involving the CanChams, Global Affairs Canada, provincial representatives, and EDC, during which participants discussed strategies to deepen cooperation and support Canadian business initiatives across Europe.

The event concluded with the Canada–Europe Business Forum, which broadened the dialogue to include policymakers and industry stakeholders from both sides of the Atlantic. Discussions focused on key policy areas such as:

• Industrial policy and innovation,

• Defence trade and technology,

• Trade diversification and investment opportunities.

The Forum included keynote remarks by Rob Stewart, Deputy Minister of Trade, along with contributions from John Hannaford, the Prime Minister’s Personal Representative to the European Union, and Sara Wilshaw, Canada’s Chief Trade Commissioner.

CEUTIA emphasized the growing potential for Canadian companies to expand and succeed in Europe, leveraging the extensive network of bilateral Canadian Chambers of Commerce operating throughout the region.

The Polish Canadian Chamber of Commerce was proud to represent Poland within this influential network and to contribute to strengthening transatlantic business cooperation between Canada and Europe.

“This meeting reaffirmed the strong commitment across the CanCham network to deepen collaboration, promote sustainable trade, and create new business opportunities between Canada and European partners,” said the President of the PCCC.

The Chamber extends its appreciation to CEUTIA and CanCham BeLux for organizing an inspiring and impactful event that continues to build bridges between Canada and Europe.